We're committed to Manchester, says Parklife founder

Sacha Lord-Marchionne, the man behind Parklife and Warehouse Project, believes the festival belongs to the people of Manchester and that’s where it should stay.

The renowned festival entrepreneur visited The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) last week where he spoke to students of his former school.

The 44-year-old, who lives in Hale Barns, said that he didn't want to make the festival any bigger than it already was, stating: “I don't want to leave Heaton Park and grow Parklife outside of its home city.

“It’s Manchester’s festival, it belongs to the people in Manchester and that’s where it should stay. We’re at 80,000 visitors each day now and I want those people to enjoy the experience as it is.”

Sacha also credits Manchester City Council for keeping his events in the city, stating: “MCC are so supportive. Councilors like Pat Karney just get what we’re about. They see the pan-city benefits that events like Parklife bring into Manchester. It’s a collaborative effort.”

Having lived in the area all his life, Sacha further affirmed his commitment to Manchester by divulging his Mancunian inspiration (Tony Wilson), his dream venue (Store St – home to his Warehouse Project) and his ultimate anthem (Blue Monday).

The former MGS student was also candid about his time at the school: “I didn't do too well here as my interests were elsewhere, but it’s a fantastic school and existing students should be incredibly proud of it.

“When you come to MGS, you’ve got the best facilities and best teachers at your fingertips. Unfortunately for me I couldn't apply them and when I left, my friends were going to Oxbridge and I went to work in a clothes shop in Altrincham.

“I was, and still am, creative rather than traditionally academic; I have a great partner though in Sam Kandel and we collaborate well on the vision for our events – something that brings out the best in me.”

Concluding the event, Sacha was asked about his legacy and said: “The barometer of success for things like the Warehouse Project and Parklife will come when I’m dead; if people are still talking about them then it’ll all have been worth it.”